Obituary of John B Johnson

John B. Johnson, 85, lifelong resident of Solon Springs, WI passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021. 

He was born on March 26, 1935 in Solon Springs to Einar and Dorothy Johnson, and married Arlene Erkkila of the Town of Lakeside, WI. Surviving are his wife and children Sandra (Jeffrey) Holmgren, Deborah (Charles) Hoff and Ryan Johnson; grandchildren Nicholas (Madison) Hoff, Chase and Sarah Hoff, Jaare and Cypress Holmgren, and sister Patricia Borgh. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dean.

He graduated from St. Croix High School, which was followed by his years in the Armed Forces, serving with pride as a Personnel Clerk Specialist in Germany.

His friendly and humble personality served him well in his role of managing the Solon Springs Gas Company for 39 years, where he took care of his customers as if they were family.

John loved his wife and children, his 1931 Chevy, and going for daily coffee with his buddies, where he was an interested listener who could see all sides and said, “even if we disagree, we can still be friends.”

John loved his hometown of Solon Springs, its people and history, and was a dedicated volunteer of the Solon Springs Historical Society, and an active member of the Solon Springs Lion’s Club for over 30 years. He was dedicated to the School District, from serving as a coach for the grade school Basketball Jamboree, supporting and enjoying high school basketball and softball games, and serving over 20 years on the Board of Education.  A quiet, strong leader with unwavering principles, he lived his timeless beliefs of honesty, good character and integrity. He was a loyal friend and a fierce defender of the underdog, always willing to lend a helping hand, and always interested in people and their endeavors.

As one of his good friends said, “Swede is a friend that a person has forever.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth, assisted with cremation services.